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History

Athelas was first brought to Middle-earth by Númenoreans, but by the end of the Third Age the knowledge of its healing properties was lost among all but the Rangers of the North. It was a sweet-smelling herb which grew sparsely in the North and only in places where the Men of Westernesse had camped or lived.

In Gondor (where the name “kingsfoil” was used) its healing virtues were unknown and its leaves were esteemed only for their refreshing scent but it was especially powerful in the hands of the king, perhaps because of the Elvish heritage of the royal house.

It was used by Aragorn, secretly entering Minas Tirith upon his return to Gondor to heal those touched by the Black Breath, an act that enhanced his reputation and strengthed his claim to the crown.